Providence University College and Theological Seminary has sold its downtown Winnipeg property following major changes to Canada’s international student program, but the school says its centennial celebration this weekend is also a moment to look ahead with hope. In 2023, Providence purchased 447 Webb Place in downtown Winnipeg with plans to expand business and seminary programs for international students, including a residential component. But federal changes have since reduced the number of international students allowed into Canada, and schools now receive a limited number of provincial allocation letters. Providence says the shift resulted in a 90 per cent cut to its intake, forcing the sale of the property. “That property was intended for international education, particularly business programs and seminary courses, with a residential component for students,” said Nicholas Greco, Provost and Professor of Communications and Media. “We needed to sell it in light of reduced international student numbers.” Centennial celebrations this weekend Despite that challenge, Providence is marking 100 years of education and ministry with a series of events across southern Manitoba. The celebrations began Friday night in Winnipeg with a gala and the launch of Providence’s Centennial Capital Campaign. The fundraising effort will help update facilities on the Otterburne campus, including accessibility improvements and chapel renovations, while also supporting seminary education. “Part of our goal is to ensure our facilities contribute to a good learning experience for students,” Greco said. “We also want to enhance the spiritual life of students at Providence.” On Saturday, the campus in Otterburne will host a centennial festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring presentations from past and present faculty, nature walks, music, and food. In the evening, Providence is sponsoring the Zach Williams concert at the Southeast Event Centre in Steinbach. The weekend concludes Sunday at 2 p.m. with an outdoor worship service under a tent at the Otterburne campus. Providence reflects on its history Providence began in 1925 as a ministry training institute in Winnipeg before moving to Otterburne. Over the past century, it has grown into a Christian university and seminary with programs serving both church leaders and students from a variety of backgrounds. “We do still train Christian leaders for vocational ministry in the church, but we are also hospitable to all people,” said Greco. “We feel that we are doing good things here in southern Manitoba and in the city of Winnipeg as well.” As the institution celebrates its centennial, Greco said Providence is focused on continuing to serve students and the province for the next century. “This busy weekend is full of nostalgia and reconnecting with people who have come through our doors over the last 100 years,” he said. “It is really a testament to God’s faithfulness to Providence and a way for us to reestablish our service to the community for another 100 years.”